The Ontario Provincial Police Norfolk County Marine Unit is urging all boating enthusiasts to wear their life jackets after police observed a vessel in distress in Long Point Bay.
Last Thursday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m., members of the Norfolk County Marine Unit were on patrol in Lake Erie when they discovered a capsized sail boat with four people in the water.
After the vessel began to take on water, the occupants began bailing but the attempt was unsuccessful. The vessel capsized as the occupants were attempting to put on their life jackets, ejecting them into the water.
Few boats were in the area at the time of the incident and sunset was approaching. Police say the occupants could have potentially been in the water for quite some time before being reported overdue by family members that were waiting on the shoreline.
“The OPP is reminding all boating enthusiasts that they should have the proper number of life jackets on board their vessel and it is recommended that everyone wear them when heading out onto the water. This particular incident demonstrates that emergencies can happen in seconds, which is faster than you can locate your life jacket and put it on,” comments Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP.
Two 12-year-old males, a 14-year-old male and a 47-year-old male from Brantford were brought back to shore along with their vessel. No injuries were reported.
In another incident on Friday at 3:54 p.m., the Norfolk County Marine Unit was on patrol in the Inner Bay when officers observed three people being thrown from a personal water craft approximately one kilometre from shore.
Police say the occupants were thrown from the vessel after hitting a wave of water. As the occupants entered the lake, the force of the fall caused one of the passengers to lose their life jacket.
The operator, passenger and a 5-year-old child were located by police hanging onto the vessel however the operator did not have any knowledge of the safety equipment or where it was located.
The 5-year-old, 25-year-old female and a 55-year-old female from Cambridge were all transported to shore by Marine Unit officers. No injuries were reported.
The OPP is reminding all boaters to be prepared for that day out on the water. Everyone needs to familiarize themselves with all of their safety equipment associated to their vessel. They need to know where it is and how to use it in case they become in distress.

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